South Windsor officials decided to take a small step toward getting a turf field at the high school

The town council voted Monday to take a preliminary step toward pursuing an artificial turf field at the high school.

The council voted 6-1 in favor of a resolution. The town's planning and zoning commission will determine whether the $1.5 million project is consistent with the town's zoning regulations.

The plan would not only create a new artificial turf field at South Windsor High School, but would also cover costs for a new track and other upgrades.

In order to meet its goal of completing the project by September 1, the project needs to go out to bid soon in order to have a contractor on board by next month, town officials said.

"Let's move this thing along. Let's quit all the talk about it," said Deputy Mayor Edward Havens. "I'm really getting impatient about it and I'm sure the rest of the community is getting impatient, too."

"Let's put our kids on an equal playing field with other towns. I'm begging you guys, it's time."— Kevin Foley

The council initially held off on making a decision at its March 17 meeting, saying it wanted more information before deciding whether to move forward.

Town Attorney Keith Yagaloff explained Monday that the referral to the zoning commission is a requirement for the town council to lease, sell or modify any town property.

"This is routine. The town council does this all the time," Yagaloff said.

The turf project has caused dissent recently as critics cited concerns with crumb rubber, the small black pellets used as infill on turf fields. There have been contentions that crumb rubber contains carcinogens. Most crumb rubber is made of ground tires, but there are other options on the market.

Several people spoke out in favor of the project Monday, saying a turf field would extend athletes' playing season and keep the town's sports teams competitive with others in the area.

Many of those who addressed the council were parents of student athletes. The parents said their children have been put at a disadvantage during competition because they've been practicing indoors or on parking lots since the fields have not been safe to play on.

Kevin Foley said, "Let's put our kids on an equal playing field with other towns. I'm begging you guys, it's time."

"It's the responsible thing to do," Foley said. "We need to push this thing forward. It's not about the Democrats and Republicans. It's about the kids. Let's get passed all that and move the town forward for the future."